As the July heat sweeps across the North African coast, the 2nd‑century Roman theater of Carthage will once again be awakened by starlight and music. From July 16 to August 19, 2026, the Carthage International Festival (Festival International de Carthage) celebrates its 60th “Diamond Jubilee.” Launched in 1964 by a group of intellectuals and artists, the event has grown from a modest two‑day jazz gathering into the oldest surviving annual cultural event in Africa. This year it presents a lavish program of twenty performances to welcome audiences from around the world.
The festival’s lineup strikes a balance between nostalgia and fresh voices. The opening night will feature a special concert titled “Taht al Yasmine” (Under the Jasmine) by Tunisian superstar Saber Rebaï. The closing act will be headlined by renowned Lebanese diva Majda El Roumi. Organizers have unveiled a glittering roster: Syrian songstress Mayada El Hennawy, returning to Tunisian stages after 21 years; Algerian veteran Cheb Khaled, back in Carthage after a decade; first‑time festival performer Sami Yusuf, the British‑Iranian singer‑songwriter; along with Lebanese star Elissa and Egyptian heartthrob Tamer Ashour.
The international line‑up is equally impressive. The legendary American family band The Jacksons will take the stage on July 20 – a performance that coincides with the 30th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s 1996 concert in Tunisia. Five‑time Grammy winner, Beninese vocalist Angélique Kidjo will perform on July 23, celebrating four decades of her career. Additionally, the Italian classical‑crossover ensemble Rondò Veneziano, the Spanish Andalusian Flamenco Ballet, and a “World Folklore” evening featuring artists from Malta, Libya, China, Japan and Tunisia will bring a rich multicultural tapestry to the ancient theatre.
Tunisian homegrown talent takes center stage this year. Festival committee member Yosr Hazgui explicitly stated: “We wanted Tunisian singers to dominate this edition.” Among the seven Tunisian concerts, rising and established voices such as Nordo, Yosra Mahnouch, Nabiha Karaouli and Amina Fakhet will perform alongside the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra and the Tunisian National Orchestra. In addition, comedian Moez Toumi will make his Carthage debut with his one‑man show “Al Karhmana.”
Ticket prices range from 30 to 100 dinars for bleacher seats and 80 to 150 dinars for reserved seating. The top‑tier prices (100 dinars for bleachers, 150 for seats) apply to premium shows by Saber Rebaï, Cheb Khaled, Sami Yusuf, Mayada El Hennawy with Mohamed Khayri, Tamer Ashour, Elissa and Majda El Roumi. Online sales begin July 5, while on‑site box offices at the Carthage Roman Theater and Tunis City of Culture will open from July 11 at 4:00 PM local time.
Not all responses have been glowing, however. Some critics have noted that while the program is opulent, “for a 60th anniversary, people expected a lineup that breaks the usual mould, not just familiar faces.” One media outlet even headlined its coverage “A 60th Anniversary Without Much Sparkle,” questioning the festival’s commitment to innovation. More notably, the festival has yet to appoint an artistic director; it is currently being coordinated by Hend Mokrani, general manager of the national agency for promoting festivals and cultural events. Budget constraints have also prevented invitations to several high‑fee international superstars. Out of 77 applications (40 Tunisian, 37 international), the committee selected seven Tunisian performances and three Lebanese shows, resulting in an Arab‑language program that accounts for 65% of the total, with international acts making up the remaining 35%.
Since its inception in 1964, the Carthage International Festival has carried the cultural memory of Tunisia and the broader Arab world. As the stone steps of the Roman theater once again fill with expectant faces, and the melodies of Arab maqams intertwine with world rhythms under the stars, this Diamond Jubilee edition will undoubtedly continue its six‑decade legacy – amidst both acclaim and controversy.
TunisianMonitorNews
